Muturi Petitions IEBC, Claims ‘Imported Goons’ and Bribery Plot to Disrupt Mbeere North By-Election
Muturi warned that the groups were allegedly plotting to invade polling centres in areas considered strongholds of the DP candidate to suppress voter turnout on November 27
Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi has accused government-linked operatives of orchestrating a coordinated plan to disrupt the upcoming Mbeere North by-election, alleging the deployment of armed groups, voter bribery, and interference by state officers
In a letter dated November 20, 2025, addressed to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, Muturi claimed that groups of “imported goons” from Nairobi and Thika were being ferried into the constituency under the escort of National Police Service personnel in civilian clothing
Muturi warned that the groups were allegedly plotting to invade polling centres in areas considered strongholds of the DP candidate to suppress voter turnout on November 27
He cited sightings of the alleged groups in Kanyambuura, Ishihara, and Siakago towns, alongside a contingent of police officers from Nairobi whose presence he described as “mischievous”
The DP leader further claimed widespread voter bribery at UDA and government-aligned rallies, alleging a scheme to encourage voters to photograph marked ballot papers in exchange for money an act he termed a blatant violation of the secret ballot principle
Muturi urged the IEBC to take urgent action to guarantee a free, fair, credible, and verifiable election. He demanded the commission put in place safeguards against “illegal machinations” and ensure an updated voter register to avoid confusion at polling stations
The accusations come amid a fierce political contest pitting Deputy President Kithure Kindiki against his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, each backing rival candidates
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Gachagua has also accused the government of voter bribery and intimidation, claiming state agents are coercing voters to support the UDA candidate
He urged residents not to fall for alleged promises of payment in exchange for photographing ballot papers, warning that “no one will send you money after the election”
The former Deputy President described the by-election as a “political reckoning,” telling Mbeere North residents they would play a decisive role in expressing Mt. Kenya’s discontent with President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 political landscape
Writer: Mweru Mbugua
